Small but Potent Killers

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Small but Potent Killers

Journal Title: International Journal of Farming and Allied Sciences - Year 2014, Vol 3, Issue 4

Abstract

The antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are biologically active molecules produced by wide variety of organisms as an essential component of their innate immune response. Animals and plants have coexisted with microbes throughout their evolution, sometimes to their mutual benefit, often in open warfare. The cells of insects and animals produce various antimicrobial substances that act as endogenous antibiotics or disinfectants. The primary role of the AMPs is host defense by exerting cytotoxicity on the invading pathogenic microorganisms, and they also serve as immune modulators in higher organisms. Although hundreds of antimicrobial peptides have now been characterized as having widely diverse sequences, these peptides have been classified into relatively few conformational paradigms. In this article, attempts have been made to describe antimicrobial peptide's structure and diversity, types and characteristics of antimicrobial peptides, classify antimicrobial peptides according to their secondary structure and the modes of action by which antimicrobial peptides kill bacteria. We mention methods used to determine the mechanisms of antimicrobial peptide in plants and animals and factors that are related to the selectivity property of AMPs and Also describe bacterial resistance and regulation of expression of AMPs. Finally provides list of database and bioinformatics tools required for research.

Authors and Affiliations

Barat Ali Fakheri and Mitra Jabbari

Keywords

EP ID EP32582
DOI -
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